UP Health System - Portage announced today the addition of PET/CT Scan to its services. A PET/CT Scanner combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) images. PET images show the function of cells in the body and CT images show body anatomy, such as vessels, lymph nodes, and organs.

Combining PET and CT images helps doctors diagnose, monitor, and determine treatment for cancer, as well as to determine the best next steps in treatment plans. Unlike other imaging methods, the PET/CT Scanner reveals how cells and structures function, rather than how they look.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer this technology in our community and advance the high-quality care we provide to our patients," says Ed Freysinger, chief executive officer of UPHS - Portage.

PET/CT can help determine the size and location of growths, whether cancer is spreading, the best form of treatments, whether designated therapy is working, and whether there has been a recurrence.

"Our PET/CT Scanner will help make it possible for patients to get the care they need much closer to home," says Dr. Lloyd Geddes, Cancer Care specialist at UPHS - Portage.

Most patients can expect to resume normal activity levels immediately following their PET/CT scan.